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The mountaineering world is holding its breath following a devastating avalanche on Pakistan’s majestic Broad Peak (8,047m). On Thursday afternoon, an international climbing team was struck by a massive avalanche in the Karakoram range, leaving several prominent climbers missing including world-renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja.
As rescue teams race against time and challenging weather, here is everything we know so far about the incident, the missing climbers, and the ongoing rescue operations.
What Happened on Broad Peak?
Broad Peak, standing at 8,047 metres, is the world's 12th-highest mountain and sits right next to K2 in Pakistan’s rugged Karakoram range. Known for its extreme technical challenges and unpredictable weather, the peak became the site of a disaster around midday on Thursday when the avalanche swept through the climbing route.
According to Irfan Arshad Khan, president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, four bodies have been recovered so far during initial overland and base camp rescue efforts. Two of the victims have been formally identified as Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung (known as “Yukta”) and Oman’s pioneering mountaineer Nadhira Al Harthy, who made history as the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest.
Who is Missing?
The international climbing community has expressed deep concern as search efforts continue for several missing mountaineers. Alongside legendary climber Nirmal Purja, the missing individuals include:
Kili Pemba Sherpa
Nima Sherpa
Gyalu Sherpa
Nawang Thindu Sherpa
Sohail Sakhi (Pakistan)
Wang Zhong (China)
Mallory Geis (USA)
Massive Search and Rescue Operation Underway
Rescue operations were initially hampered by poor weather conditions that prevented immediate helicopter flights. However, operations have scaled up significantly.
Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, confirmed that Pakistan has mobilized helicopters, drones, and specialized ground teams dispatched from Skardu to search the incident site. Drones are currently monitoring the avalanche zone, while ground teams and air support work in tandem.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal stated that the Nepali Embassy in Islamabad is in constant coordination with the Alpine Club of Pakistan and local authorities, who have assured that all available national resources are being utilized to locate the missing climbers safely.
A Look at Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja’s Legacy
News of Nirmal Purja’s disappearance has sent shockwaves across the global adventure and mountaineering community.Nims Dai became a household name globally following his historic 2019 Project Possible, where he shattered world records by summiting all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in just over six months a feat chronicled in the hit Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. Before his legendary mountaineering career, Purja served with distinction in the British Army and the elite Royal Marines.
Stay Tuned for Updates
This is a rapidly developing story. As weather conditions shift and search teams comb the slopes of Broad Peak, we will continue to provide updates as official statements are released by the Alpine Club of Pakistan and foreign ministries.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims, the missing climbers, and all the brave rescue teams working tirelessly on the ground.
